Almonte Fair has “Christmas in July” theme July 20-22
Published on July 1st 2012
Home » The Billboard » Almonte Fair has “Christmas in July” theme July 20-22The Board of Directors of the North Lanark Agricultural Society have exciting plans for this year’s Almonte Fair to be held on July 20-22 at the fairgrounds on Water Street. The theme “Christmas in July” means there will be many exhibits in the main hall that will give good ideas for creating Christmas gifts. -However it poses a problem for Santa if the weather is as hot as last year -will he have to shed his heavy red suit for summer shorts? He will be there to open the fair on Saturday night as well as at other events geared to children.
This year family entertainment is especially high on the list with returning popular acts such as Sean and Heather Ross-McManus from Spring Action trampolines who wowed the crowds last year. Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo will return with a display in the main hall and outside demos. Although most children are fascinated by snakes and reptiles some of the female directors are going to avoid that area.
Another new feature in the main hall is “Papa’s Trains” where children can operate Thomas the Tank Train ,helicopters, etc. This exhibit was previewed at the convention in Toronto where it received good reviews.
For this year only,”Breakfast with Santa”will be offered from 7 to 11 am on Sunday. Exhibitors and people coming to the fair will have a chance to mingle over a hearty meal served by a local 4-H Club.
Children’s games on Saturday, a Pet Show on Sunday and the ongoing exhibit in the new barn where Garth Green brings his wide variety of animals from sheep and goats to ducks and colourful roosters, allows active participation by the whole family. Maple the Cow will also allow everyone to try milking a cow-an art almost lost now.
Of course the Conklin Supershows Midway is high on a child’s visit to the fair but parents can also show them dairy and beef cows, sheep, heavy and light horses competing for prizes in front of the grandstand or down at the barn. A large selection of show pigeons and other exotic birds will be judged on Saturday morning in barn next the river where they welcome people to watch .[unlike the homecraft judging where the hall is closed on Friday morning until judging is over.] Displays of beautiful flowers, mouth watering baked goods and handicrafts in the hall inspire viewers to top that another year.
There are 63 classes for children to enter so now that our fair is in July, it gives a child something to create rather than be bored. This year the prize money will be given out to the children when the exhibits are picked up.
Ria Ralph of Cedar Hill Christmas Trees will demonstrate her skill at creating wreaths and the children will get a chance to make crafts of their own in the demo area.
The Demolition Derby on Friday night is always a crowd pleaser with “Riding Shotgun” providing music after in the Beer Gardens On Saturday night the “Stool Pigeons” will entertain .. The evening grandstand stand Saturday night has something for everyone with the popular Outhouse Races returning with larger numbers, The Renfrew County Square Dancing Tractors and music by the “Dirty Dishes”. This female trio impressed our delegates to the convention with their harmonies in country, bluegrass and gospel.
A Horseshoe Tournament on Saturday at 10 am in the pits at the north end of the grounds will be near the Beer Tent this year since it is moving from in front of the hall. A Dunk the Diver tank will be in front of the main hall and Ron Henry will offer pony rides. The unique Cow Plop Bingo will happen on Saturday and a Lucky Draw on Sunday so try your luck
Food is always a feature of the fair with the St. George’s Anglican Church again serving homemade pie and sandwiches and many concessions such as Lone Star, providing a wide selection of tasty treats.
We are still seeking volunteers to help at the fair so students who need the hours or anyone who enjoys working with animals or meeting the public at a fun event should contact our tireless secretary Nancy Dupuis at secretary @almontefair.com.
Starting on the Monday of the fair, the office will be open from 8 am to 5 pm to receive entries. It makes the life of the office staff so much easier if you don’t wait till Thursday to make your entries.
For more info on where to buy advance midway bracelets and the prize book schedule check www.almontefair.com
